The practical driving test in the UK is set to undergo a substantial overhaul on December 4, 2017.

Among the big changes is the removal of the three-point turn, as well as reversing around a corner.

New aspects of the test will include taking satnav directions and reversing out of a parking bay.

Most controversial of all, however, is a manoeuvre that involves the candidate pulling over into oncoming traffic and reversing two car lengths.

Motorists have given mixed reactions to the new test, which is designed to improve road safety and driving standards.

According to research by Confused.com, nearly half of drivers welcome the new satnav test.

Around 40% feel positive about the increase in independent driving time – which will now last for 20 minutes. This involves candidates following a series of directions or signs.

The absence of the three point turn, however, has disappointed many, with less than one in six supporting its removal; almost half think the new parallel park manoeuvre raises safety questions.

Around a third of those polled think the new test does not evaluate other important skills – including motorway driving, which nearly three quarters believe should be in the examination.

And according to a third of those surveyed, driving in lower light conditions should also be part of the test.

Evaluating driving etiquette is also popular among around 80% of respondents. Bad etiquette might include behaviour such as tailgating and hogging the middle lane.

The new parallel park manoeuvre is one of the most unpopular aspects of the new test, with hundreds of people having signed an instructor-led petition against it. Signatories stated it was a “dangerous exercise”.

However, the DVSA said nearly all representative organisations supported the changes, since they related to common driving scenarios.

Overall it is not clear how the new changes might impact pass rates. Over the last decade they have remained stable, rising slightly from 43% in 2007 to 47% in 2016.